Job advice needed

[ead79]

If any of you have any advice, I would love to hear it. Here's my current job situation.

I'm pretty miserable at my current job. The basic deal is that my boss is verbally abusive to both me and other employees, and this behavior is simply tolerated because he is a VP. Also, my job was described very differently to me at my interviews than it has turned out to be. Basically, they positioned the job to be a sales support job with a heavy emphasis on trade show planning and on my marketing degree/background. It has turned out to be an almost solely administrative position with paperwork (and tradeshow planning, which is in line with what they told me). These two main issues are causing me to seriously consider resigning.

Do you think that it will be the kiss of death on my resume if I resign? I have a stable employment history (over 2 years with 1st company, about 1.5 years with previous company before being downsized, only 5 months with current company), particularly for a recent college grad. I have an excellent academic record (graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BBA in Marketing).

I am not a "malcontent" by any means. I don't expect work to be a bowl of cherries. But on the other hand, I refuse to be treated so rudely and be miserable. I also want a job that challenges me more, but I don't mind administrative work.

At any future interviews I feel like I will need to justify why I am leaving my current company after such a short time. I know not to trash my current job/boss/situation, but I want them to get the message that I'm not a "job jumper" who leaves at the first sign of a problem. Is there any appropriate way to get the point across that there is a situation of verbal abuse and that is why I am leaving?

I'm just so bummed to be dealing with this...I thought I would really enjoy this job, but the boss is positively unbearable. I've worked for difficult bosses before, but nothing like this.

Any advise for me?

*edited because I evidently can't spell advice correctly*

 

[KarenC]

Look for a new job while you have a job. Even when the economy is humming, its always better to have a job before you leave your old one. That is even more true now, when we have a stagnant job market.

 

[SnowAngel]

Really no advice but empathy as I am researching for a new job at the moment also.

Good Luck. Sometimes we just have to do things we need to do. Life is too short to be unhappy. I would keep your current job while you are looking until you get accepted at another job
As for leaving.. tell your next employer.. "I am looking for new growths and to expand. My old job while excellent did not give me the opportunity for the growth I am looking for." Or something like that

 

[tomatoman]

I agree with the above posters.

Don't mention any verbal abuse. Just stick to, "looking for a position for growth". You don't need to bring up any negatives.

Keep it all positive.
Good luck!

tomatoman

 

[teachingmyown]

I agree with the concept of keeping the job you have until you get a new one. It's not only easier to get a job when you already have one, it's also more financially prudent.

Tell your prospective new employers that you are interested in a new challenge, that you would like to improve on your current benefits package (it's ok to want more money), or that your current position prevents you from effectively using your talents or exploring your interests. I wouldn't recommend saying "I just don't like my boss..." as that can come across that you are difficult to work with.

In the meantime, try to make the most of each good thing you can find about your current position. Actively seeking out good where it is trying to hide can be a fun and rewarding distraction from focusing on the unpleasant that is glaring at you from all sides. Make a game of trying to make your boss smile by smiling at him/her first. Count how many time you succeed each day/week and then try to beat that score.

My Dh left three positions in 4 years, each time improving his situation. It didn't have a negative impact at all., but each time he sought and found the new position while maintaining employment with the current position. Also, each time he was able to leave the old position without burning bridges. In fact, he has since returned to one of the companies he left during that time period.

 

[caitycaity]

Look for a new job while you have a job. Even when the economy is humming, its always better to have a job before you leave your old one. That is even more true now, when we have a stagnant job market.

 

[ckret01]

Oh my god I thought it was me writing that I posted something similar on the resort thread about my job (b/c I am so stressed about it I'm afraid it will ruin my vacation next week). I got laid off of a job last year after working there for 5 years (I thought I was going to retire there) I worked for a very large Telecommunication Company. Well I now am working for a Commercial Real Estate company and my Boss is exactly how you described yours to be. There are times I am ready to just walk out b/c he is impossible to be around. I am trying so hard to look for a new job before I leave here. But I have found nothing and my resume is everywhere. Let me tell you it is hard on certain days but try to find a job first before you leave your current one unless you can afford not to work. Good luck and let me know what happens.

 

[ead79]

I do plan to look for a new job before leaving my current one if AT ALL possible. We rely on my salary for most of our bills, so I don't take that lightly. I'm just concerned about addressing the situation at an interview and whether it will be a black mark on my resume to have been at my current job for a short time.

 

[ead79]

bump

Any other advice?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by ead79
.....I am not a "malcontent" by any means.....

I have nothing really to add, Elisabeth, though agree with the above advise from the folks who added.

I just wanted to say your statement there about 'not a malcontent' has to be one of the big DIS understatements of '04. You are among the very nicest of people here on the DIS, Elisabeth, online and in person.

Do hope things go well for you. My best for you and Colin also.

Dan